Quick smashed Greek potatoes with feta and rosemary

If you’re looking for a side dish that is both simple and bursting with flavor, then you’ll absolutely love these quick smashed Greek potatoes with feta and rosemary. This recipe has become a beloved favorite in my kitchen, not just because it’s easy to prepare, but also because it brings a taste of the Mediterranean right to your table. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, these potatoes are sure to impress everyone.

The combination of crispy edges, creamy feta, and aromatic rosemary creates a delightful experience for your taste buds. Plus, they look gorgeous on the plate! Whether you’re pairing them with grilled chicken or serving them as part of a larger spread, these potatoes are always a hit.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With minimal prep time and easy cooking methods, you’ll have this dish ready in no time.
• Family-Friendly: The delicious flavors of feta and rosemary are sure to please even the pickiest eaters at your table.
• Versatile Side Dish: These potatoes pair wonderfully with various main courses, making them perfect for any occasion.
• Make-Ahead Option: You can easily prepare the potatoes in advance and pop them in the oven when you’re ready to eat.
• Fresh Ingredients: Made from wholesome ingredients, this dish is both satisfying and nourishing.

Ingredients You’ll Need

In this recipe, we use simple, wholesome ingredients that you might already have at home. Each one contributes to that delicious Greek flavor profile we all love!

For the Potatoes

• 8-12 medium potatoes (roasting potatoes)
• Olive oil (to drizzle)
• Salt and pepper (to season)

For the Toppings

• 200 g (7oz) feta cheese (crumbled)
• 3 tbsp small capers or sliced black olives
• 2 large whole cloves of garlic (sliced)
• 1 red onion (sliced into very thin rounds)
• Small rosemary sprig (torn)
• 1 lemon (cut into quarters)

Variations

This recipe is flexible and can be customized to suit your taste preferences or what you have on hand. Here are some fun ideas:

• Add more herbs: Consider adding fresh thyme or oregano for an extra burst of flavor.
• Switch up the cheese: Try using goat cheese instead of feta for a tangy twist.
• Make it spicy: Sprinkle some red pepper flakes over the top before baking for a kick.
• Include veggies: Toss in some cherry tomatoes or bell peppers to roast alongside the potatoes for added color and nutrition.

How to Make Quick smashed Greek potatoes with feta and rosemary

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 200C (400F). This step is crucial as it ensures that your potatoes will cook evenly and get beautifully crispy on the outside. Drizzle a large skillet or roasting tray with a little olive oil while you prepare the potatoes.

Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes

Rinse your medium potatoes well under cold water. Then, pierce each potato several times with a sharp knife. This allows steam to escape during cooking, preventing them from bursting in the microwave.

Step 3: Microwave the Potatoes

Place the pierced potatoes in a microwaveable bowl and cover them with two sheets of damp paper towel. Microwave on full power for about 7-12 minutes. This method cooks them quickly while keeping them tender inside. Check after 7 minutes; they should be easily pierced with a knife when done.

Step 4: Smash Those Potatoes

Once cooked, carefully transfer the potatoes to your prepared skillet or tray. Using a potato masher, gently smash each potato down just enough to expose some of their flesh while keeping their shape intact. This creates plenty of surface area for crisping!

Step 5: Season & Add Flavor

Drizzle olive oil generously over the smashed potatoes and season them with salt and pepper. Scatter sliced garlic cloves and torn rosemary over top, then nestle lemon wedges among them for an aromatic touch.

Step 6: Roast Until Golden

Place your tray in the preheated oven and roast for about 10 minutes until the potato skins start turning golden brown. This step adds that lovely crunch we all crave!

Step 7: Add Feta & Onions

After 10 minutes, remove the tray from the oven and sprinkle crumbled feta cheese, thinly sliced red onions, and capers over the potatoes. Return everything back to the oven for another 5 minutes to let those flavors meld together beautifully.

Step 8: Serve & Enjoy!

When everything is beautifully roasted and aromatic, squeeze fresh lemon juice from those roasted lemon wedges over your dish before serving immediately. Enjoy every savory bite of these quick smashed Greek potatoes with feta and rosemary!

Pro Tips for Making Quick Smashed Greek Potatoes with Feta and Rosemary

Making these smashed potatoes is a breeze, but a few helpful tips can elevate them even further!

• Choose the right potatoes: Opt for medium-sized roasting potatoes as they hold their shape well when smashed and roasted, ensuring a delightful texture.

• Microwave for convenience: Microwaving the potatoes before smashing not only speeds up the cooking process but also ensures they are tender enough to smash easily without losing too much of their structure.

• Don’t skimp on the olive oil: Drizzling a good amount of olive oil over the smashed potatoes not only adds flavor but also promotes that crispy, golden exterior that makes this dish so irresistible.

• Experiment with flavors: Feel free to add your favorite herbs or spices, like oregano or thyme, for an extra layer of flavor. This versatility allows you to customize the dish to suit your taste preferences.

• Serve immediately: These potatoes are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven while they’re still warm and crispy. If you let them sit too long, they may lose their delightful texture.

How to Serve Quick Smashed Greek Potatoes with Feta and Rosemary

Presenting your quick smashed Greek potatoes beautifully can make them even more inviting! Here are some ideas on how to serve this mouthwatering side dish.

Garnishes

• Fresh parsley or dill: Chopped fresh herbs add a pop of color and freshness that complements the richness of the feta.
• Additional lemon wedges: Serving a few extra lemon wedges on the side allows guests to add more brightness to their plate, enhancing the overall flavor.

Side Dishes

• Grilled vegetables: A medley of grilled zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant adds a smoky flavor that pairs wonderfully with the creamy feta and tangy lemon.
• Greek salad: Crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and tangy olives tossed in a light vinaigrette create a refreshing contrast to the warm potatoes.
• Quinoa tabbouleh: This herby salad made from quinoa, parsley, mint, and tomatoes offers a nutritious complement that balances well with the richness of the feta.
• Roasted chickpeas: Crispy roasted chickpeas seasoned with spices provide an added crunch and protein boost that rounds out your meal perfectly.

Feel free to mix and match these suggestions for an unforgettable dining experience centered around these delicious quick smashed Greek potatoes! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These quick smashed Greek potatoes with feta and rosemary are perfect for meal prep! You can whip up a batch ahead of time and enjoy them throughout the week. They store well, making them a great side dish for any meal.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the potatoes to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer them to an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked potatoes.
• Place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, ensuring as much air is removed as possible.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen potatoes overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat in the oven at 180C (350F) until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes.
• Alternatively, you can microwave them on medium power until hot.

FAQs

If you’re curious about this delightful dish, here are some common questions that might help!

Can I use other cheese instead of feta in quick smashed Greek potatoes with feta and rosemary?

Absolutely! While feta adds a unique flavor, you can substitute it with crumbled goat cheese or ricotta for a different taste profile.

How do I make quick smashed Greek potatoes with feta and rosemary vegan?

You can easily make this dish vegan by replacing feta cheese with a plant-based alternative. Nutritional yeast also works well for adding a cheesy flavor without dairy.

What type of potatoes are best for quick smashed Greek potatoes?

Roasting potatoes or Yukon Golds are ideal due to their creamy texture when cooked. They hold their shape well when smashed!

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited to make these quick smashed Greek potatoes with feta and rosemary as I am! This recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile for any meal. Enjoy creating this delightful dish that brings a taste of Greece right into your kitchen. Happy cooking!